The Government takes matters and allegations of abuse very seriously. The safety, protection and well-being of vulnerable adults, including older adults, is of paramount importance for all of society, agencies and Government Departments.
There is cross-sectoral adult safeguarding legislation applicable to all sectors, including health and social care, such as staff and volunteer vetting requirements, equal status, anti-discrimination and assisted decision-making legislation and the obligation, cited in the Deputy's question, to report certain offences against vulnerable adults to An Garda Síochána.
A framework of structures and processes is in place in the health sector to protect against abuse and ensure prompt action. In addition, a new national policy on adult safeguarding in the health and social care sector, is under development and will apply to all relevant public, voluntary and private settings and agencies.
Awareness of signs of potential abuse by staff, families and communities is important in preventing and protecting from abuse and I encourage anyone who has a concern about the safeguarding of a vulnerable adult to make contact with the local safeguarding and protection team for that area. If a crime is suspected, An Garda Síochána should also be informed.
The recommendations arising from the Emily reviews and the work of an independent expert who has been appointed to further consider the specific circumstances of the Emily case in the first instance, and the wider HSE safeguarding framework more generally, will guide improvements in this area.
As this an operational matter the Deputy’s question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
